CK20S too big for 1.5 acres?

[novi408]

I am narrowing my tractor search to the MF GC2400 and the Kioti CK20S HST. I have a 1.5 acre lot and will be looking to do mowing in the summer as well as some landscaping (topsoil, mulch and rock, some land clearing/smoothing) and snow removal in the winter. The prices I have on the 2 tractors with loader and MMM end up being $600 more for the GC2400. Would the CK20S be too big for my small property?

 

[JoelD]

I know there'll be disagreement, I'm of the belief bigger is better. Nothing worse than hitting the capacities of your machine.

One word though, I would not plan on clearing snow off a long driveway with a loader. A loader just loads up to quickly, great for moving snow banks though. Nothing is beter than a plow or a blower when it comes to moving snow. I plow with my plow truck and then move banks when time comes with my loader. When the plow truck buys the farm, I'll mount my plow to my loader.

Good luck,
Joel

 

[JDeerekid]

I don't think you can ever go to big if you are going to use it. Especially for snow removal. Bigger tires have better and more stable ride also. Higher loader lift capacity if those landscape projects require it. And of course the neighbor will see you have a nice new tractor and will want work done and so on and so forth. You will be happy with what ever you decide.
Also what JoelD said if you are moving snow on a large driveway either get a blade or a snowblower. Much eaiser than the bucket unless you want to be out there longer.

Good luck

 

[Gittyup]

I've never been one to size a tractor based on lot size. It's really about the tasks at hand to me. I have the CK25 on only 2.5 acres, and glad I didn't go smaller. So, I don't think the CK20S is too big. But, it is a lot more tractor than the MF. For loader work and snow removal, in most cases, the bigger heavier tractor would be best.

I do agree that you need to plan on a plow or blower for snow removal. I suggest to get a QA loader and a front mount blade. A rear blade will work too, and be cheaper. But you'll be constantly looking backward. That can get old if you have a lot of plowing to do. Same situation for the blower.

Whatever you choose, it's always a compromise in one way or the other. I don't like roll bars for mowing tasks. I have too man low hanging branches that would get in the roll bar, even if folded. And the CUTS are too heavy for mowing in the spring time. So, I have a separate machine for mowing. I keep looking for that one machine that can do it all, but haven't found it yet. Though I do like the TYM T273. It's about the closest I've seen. But TYM.... will they be here in 10 - 15 years?

 

[Wombat125]

I would say that unless you have some specific storage, maneuverability, or clearance issues, I would get the bigger tractor.

When it comes to snow removal, there is no such thing as too big.

Common sense dictates that my JD 5303 is way too big for my 5 acres, but when I hooked up to an 8' Road Boss grader this morning, it could have been just a touch bigger.

 

[MichiganIron]

A couple notes about the KIOTI CK20s:

We are offering that tractor with a Free Front Loader until Septemeber 19th, or while supplies last.

The CK20s is not a Sub-Compact Tractor. I beleive the MF you are looking at is a sub-compact. The CK20s weighs 2100lbs, plus the loader. You have 1100 lbs at the 3-point, and 1074 lbs of lift on the loader.

We offer a hydraulic sub-frame mounted blade for the CK20s. As m,entioned earlier in the thread, you will become frustrated pretty quickly using a FEL to plow snow. An economy version is to use a Rear Grader Blade with a skid edge or skid shoes.

Don't think of the size of the tractor for the size of your lot, as much as the size of the work you want it to do.

Good Luck...

 

[TractorChick]

I sold a CK35 with a loader and a backhoe to a young guy with 2 acres.

Overkill rules.

CK20 on 1.5 acres seems at home to me. JMHO.

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree with those making the point that it is the work not the acreage that counts most. I had a CK20 and use it on about 5 acres but I would have still wanted that tractor to do the clearing work on 1.5 acres. On the other hand, if I was primarily mowing I think I'd look smaller or lighter.

I've always been a fan of the BX23/24 as a great tractor for small properties but I wouldn't want to clear even 1 acre with that size tractor.

 

[IXLR8]

I have a CK30 for 2 acres, sometimes I wish I had gotten something a bit more powerful. I clear a 1/3 mile long dirt road and my driveway in the winter, use a rear blade, works well. First few times I spent a LOT of time looking backward, after a few storms, I got so I knew where to go without spending so much time looking over my shoulder. Just clearing the snow with the loader bucket would take all day, rear blade takes 45 min. With the loaded tires and backhoe on it... it is too heavy for lawn mowing... I have the Husky for that.

 

[novi408]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. As far as clearing snow, I will definitely be looking for some kind of blade, either rear or front.

I was interested in the TYM T273 as well, but the closest dealer is ~2 hours away, and I'm worried that they won't be around long term.

I visited MichiganIron yesterday and drove the CK20S. It seems just as maneuverable as the GC2400 I drove, althought the CK is a little longer overall and quite a bit taller. It was set up with the front blade which was pretty cool and would make plowing snow pretty easy. It seemed like it would be a little more comfortable as well with the larger tires and suspension seat. I also really like the location of the loader control.

It is obvious that the CK has much more capacity/capability than the MF so that is making me lean in the CK direction. I think I would rather have a little too much than not enough.

Now it is time to ponder this a little more and then pull the trigger.